Bar Graphs

Bar graphs were created and used for the purpose of chartically representing and explaining data. They were also employed to present datasets of substantial size in a clear way that could be easily and quickly digested. The concepts and data that people use them to present are very old.

A bar graph is a chartical representation of data in the form of vertical or horizontal rectangles. It is common for bar graphs to also be referred to as bar charts and column (i.e., vertical) bar graphs. Bar graphs utilize the X axis, Y axis, data types, and quantities to specify information.

Some cite William Playfair as the father of bar graphs. Others note that Nicole Oresme published an image of a bar graph first. Bar graphs were created and used for the purpose of chartically representing and explaining data. They were also employed to present datasets of substantial size in a clear way that could be easily and quickly digested. The concepts and data that people use them to present are very old. One of the most common instruments of physics, one of the world's oldest disciplines, is chartical representation. Evidence can be found across cultures, and throughout the world, of people attempting to articulate, simplify, and explain physics utilizing something which is a bar graph or can be described as one.

In a bar graph, one axis represents specified categories and the other axis represents values. Bar graphs can also be used to present complex data. The rectangles may be placed above, below, or on either side of an axis. This can be employed to show a wider range of values. Bar graphs can utilize groups of multiple bars. This can be used to increase the depth of data type information. They can also be color-coded, which can improve clarity in complex graphs and allow for more depth. Another option is a 3-dimensional bar graph, which can expand the scope of a graph without overloading the image with data.

Bar graphs are simple to create, interesting to experiment with, and very powerful tools. A wide selection of tools are available for creating bar graphs: graph software, art software, websites, and simple chartics software. Some options offer a way to create virtually any type of bar graph, and will also walk you through the process. Others require more familiarity with the software to produce stunning graphs. If your needs are modest, a simple paint application may suffice.